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Brenda Ford announced today that she will run for the County Council seat in the new District 6 (Kona, Ka’u, and Volcano) in the 2012 election.

Brenda Ford

“The rural and agricultural areas of Ka’u, North & South Kona, and Volcano lend themselves to having one representative who understands rural and agricultural areas. Since I have always held an island-wide view in getting projects completed and providing residents and businesses in the more remote areas with better access to government services, I know that I will be able to represent these areas well.”

“New Council District 6 is very large area and needs a person who understands agriculture, business, infrastructure, and the need for jobs and services. I have always worked diligently to provide for rural areas throughout the island.”

“Council Member Brittany Smart advised me today that she will not be a candidate for Council next term. I commend Ms. Smart for her work in representing her district and working with the Council to advance legislation to help all of our residents. She is highly intelligent, easy to work with, and committed to serving her constituents. I will miss her on the Council next term.”

“I committed to Ms. Smart, and I also commit to the residents of the current District 6 that I will continue to work on the projects that Ms. Smart started or continued to support such as: Ocean View transfer station, the Pahala Emergency Shelter and Gym, the Ocean View water well project, and a Ka’u Council Office from which residents may testify by videoconference.”

“I am a Council Member who works more than full-time to serve the residents and businesses of my district and all other districts as well. I will continue to work in that manner during the next term if I am elected. This is not a part-time job, and the people need and expect a full-time advocate and Council Member.”

Some of the areas in which I provided legislation or action to assist our county residents are:

Charter Amendments:

Fair and equitable redistricting code (provided to the Charter Commission)

Special Funds (allows Council or the Administration to establish such funds)

Special Counsel (allows Council to hire special counsel without authorization of Corporation Counsel)

Brittany Smart announced today that she will not be seeking a second council term at this time, but is keeping her options open for the future. “Due to personal reasons, I am unable to commit to another two year term at this time. I am honored to serve District 6, but have to think of what’s best for the people,” she stated.

Councilowoman Brittany Smart

Ms. Smart, however, expressed her support for Councilmember Brenda Ford for the District 6 seat. “Ms. Ford is completely dedicated to this job and has my utmost confidence in accurately representing the district,” Ms. Smart said. “Ms. Ford is very knowledgeable in issues that face rural areas, such as lack of government access and infrastructure, agricultural issues, and sufficient police presence. Ms. Ford has promised to follow through on any projects that may remain at the end of my term, such as the Pahala Emergency Shelter and Gym, the Ocean View Transfer Station, and last, but not least, a Ka`u Council office for public testimony.”

Ms. Smart wanted to sincerely thank all of her constituents for their support and to assure them that she will continue to diligently advocate for the District for the remainder of her term. Ms. Smart also thanked the Council members and the Mayor’s administration for their help and support as well. Lastly, she sent heartfelt thanks to Governor Neil Abercrombie for his support, especially in providing the $17.9 million dollars for the Pahala Emergency Shelter and Gym.